Health

Irinotecan for metastatic colorectal cancer

Article Abstract:

Intravenous irinotecan (Camptosar) has been approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer after other regimens fail. Irinotecan may have a palliative and life-prolonging impact on some patients not responding to fluorouracil. However, the cost of the drug and its toxic effects are high. Adverse reactions include severe diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, myelosuppression, and related fatal sepsis. The value of irinotecan in combination with fluorouracil is unknown.